During the past week Jan Mortimer (New Zealand) has withdrawn herright to play a match for the vacant women's World GAYP title againstAmangul Durdyeva (Turkmenistan) due to pressing family committments.

The motion from the General Assembly meeting (2005) was for the toptwo players to play a match for the vacant title. It did not makeprovision for any other player to be involved should either of themwithdraw. This effectively means that Amangul Durdyeva now becomesthe 1st official women's World GAYP Champion. Congratulation Amangul!

It is unfortinuate that Jan has had to withdraw at this time but fromher consistant high standard of play over recent years it is clearthat she will be back again after a short break to make her claim tothese world titles again and we look forward to that.

Regards: Hugh Devlin. President WCDF.

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Congratulations to Amangul with her World Title ! She well deserved to have it. To the best of my knowedleges - Amangul plans to attend Woman 3-move QT in Stonehaven and challenge Patricia Breen, if she wins QT. Lets wish Amangul good luck in her checkers career !

I join with Hugh and hope Jan will be back to business in the very nearest future.